Slip Yoke/ujoint Replacement

zedbear · October 30, 2010

So I pulled the rear driveshaft out yesterday to grease the slip yoke and noticed the u joint there is shot. It pivots real easy one way but the other way is VERY tight and rough. SO I figure I might as well replace the whole slip yoke/u joint unit with the revised nickle plated one from GM.

The current one does not have a grease fitting but it says "Spicer" on it. Would that be an aftermarket unit or did GM use Spicers from the factory? It also has round clips holding the u joint in. Would that mean I don't have to melt anything out of the joint to get it apart?

txab · October 30, 2010

If you have the clips, then just remove them and press the u-joint out. Are you having problems with your current slip yoke? Is this on your 2000?

zedbear · October 30, 2010

If you have the clips, then just remove them and press the u-joint out. Are you having problems with your current slip yoke? Is this on your 2000?

I think it is one of many sources of clunking on this truck, lol. The new one comes with a u joint so I might as well just do it that way. Yes, it's for the 2000.

And I need a press? Looks like I'm taking the driveshaft to the shop.

Gregs · October 30, 2010

you don't need a press, go to your local parts store they have loner tool sets designed specifically for this purpose. I work at Advance Auto so i know they have them for sure, O'reilly's probably does too. Be aware that you have to put down money on the tool set but when you bring it back you get all of it back.

Zembonez · October 30, 2010

In answer to your question, it does look like somebody has replaced the Ujoint before. If you remove the clips, you should be able to tap it out.

zedbear · October 31, 2010

Very good then. I shall give it a try.

Anyone know if the new nickle plated yoke is supposed to be greased as well?

Thanks.

zedbear · November 9, 2010

Finally got the new part. Removed the clips and tapped lightly on the ends. It ain't coming out that way, lol.

welscher08 · November 9, 2010

Can you still get the nickel plated yoke yet? I looked for my 2003 without any luck. I think I even asked the dealer last year about it and they said no. I wanted it as I have greased mine and am again here this week, and if it doesn't quite I would go with the nickel plated one.

zedbear · November 9, 2010

Can you still get the nickel plated yoke yet? I looked for my 2003 without any luck. I think I even asked the dealer last year about it and they said no. I wanted it as I have greased mine and am again here this week, and if it doesn't quite I would go with the nickel plated one.

Email gmpartsdirect.com and ask. Thats where I got mine. I have the TSB here but I'm not sure if the list of part numbers on it apply only to 2000 model year or up to 2004.

I ended up taking the shaft and slip yoke to the shop. Also picked up a new rear ujoint for them to install while they're at it.

welscher08 · November 11, 2010

Can you still get the nickel plated yoke yet? I looked for my 2003 without any luck. I think I even asked the dealer last year about it and they said no. I wanted it as I have greased mine and am again here this week, and if it doesn't quite I would go with the nickel plated one.

Email gmpartsdirect.com and ask. Thats where I got mine. I have the TSB here but I'm not sure if the list of part numbers on it apply only to 2000 model year or up to 2004.

I ended up taking the shaft and slip yoke to the shop. Also picked up a new rear ujoint for them to install while they're at it.

Emailed them today and here is what I got back:

Hi Ryan,

Thank you. Per your supplied VIN, here is the part number you requested.

88963576 Propeller shaft slip yoke.

The part from them is $130.09 compared to GM's at $223.76. I think I will try to get this order sometime. You just have to take the four bolts off the slip yoke/driveshaft and drop the driveshaft. And then does the slip yoke just pull out from the rear end?